ATTLEBORO - Downtown - which has seen two new businesses put down roots in the past year - is expected to blossom with a couple more in the early spring.

Lisa Palmer, the owner of Caribbean Kitchen, is hoping to open her 20-seat eatery at 15 Park St. by the end of March.

And around the corner, Stephen Bergevine is planning to open Antiques, Collectibles and More at 8 South Main St. on April 1.

Palmer, who was born and raised in Jamaica, is a registered nurse by profession, but is excited about changing her focus to restaurateur and bringing the savory flavor of the balmy Caribbean to the jewelry city.

It's been a dream of her dad, Harold, to open a restaurant for years and now she'll be fulfilling that dream - but he's going to be there to help.

"He's going to make sure I keep everything authentic," the Attleboro resident said. "It's really a special feeling right now for everyone in our family."

Jamaica's signature dish - jerk chicken - will of course be on the menu, along with other specialities.

Palmer said she will use authentic Jamaican spices and the freshest possible ingredients to reproduce the flavor of her homeland. The menu will include vegetarian dishes.

Her husband Dennis Allen will work on marketing.

The restaurant will specialize in takeout and delivery because of the lack of downtown parking, but will have about 20 seats for eat-in patrons.

Palmer is getting a $38,000 loan and a $38,000 grant from the city's Community Development Block Grant to get the eatery up and running.

Around the corner on South Main, Bergevine, who owns Nostalgia and More on Pleasant Street will be opening his second business, which will have a heavier focus on antiques.

Antique bicycles already decorate the window.

Bergevine has well over a decade of retail experience starting Nostalgia and More 16 years ago at 1 Park St.

Among those he hopes will patronize the shop are adult men looking to decorate their "man-caves," the creation of which is a popular trend among younger adults who'd rather hang out with their pals at home
than at the local bar.

Bergevine's son, Stephen Bergevine Jr., will be helping him in the enterprise, he said.

Other businesses opening in downtown Attleboro the past year include Scorpio's Italian Eatery and Pizzeria and Sweet Gifts, a bakery specializing in homemade baked and candy.

Both are on Park Street.